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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 2012, 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 both the real world and our state-of-the-art audio lab.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra are our favorite pair of headphones. The moment you put them on, the experience takes you away and brings you home all at once, with great sound, exceptional comfort, and noise cancellation that creates a concert-like experience. 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 sound, comfort, and noise cancellation.
If you want something smaller, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 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 believe their performance justifies their price, we think some users might be happy with a slightly less awe-inspiring pair at a lower cost. However, if impressive noise cancellation is your primary goal, with comfort for hours and the ability to listen 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, including 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 (an audiophile or 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 looking for one of the best-sounding, noise-cancelling headphones on the market and appreciate long listening sessions, the Momentum 4 will not disappoint. Though the noise cancelling 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 slight margin, making them contenders for anyone seeking the most effective ambient noise reduction available. 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: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the best earbuds for those with iPhones or living in the iOS world. They pair seamlessly without effort and play nicely in iPhones, bringing to life fun features like live translations, impressive hear-through mode, and heartbeat tracking.
Why We Love It: These are perfect for a one-and-done approach, ticking all the boxes from noise cancellation to a secure fit in one comfortable package. They offer some of the richest sound available, and their impressive active noise cancellation is among the best in the earbud heap. Whether you want long listening with a nuanced soundstage, crystal clear calls with mom, or a workout partner to drive the beat to keep you motivated, the AirPods do it all.
Should You Buy It? Yes! If you live in the Apple world or are considering making the switch to iPhone, we say run, don't walk, to get these excellent earbuds. Their performance across the board is so compelling that it could convert even the staunchest of Android supporters. While they have a higher price than some budget buds, we think they are suitable for commutes, travel, work, working out, and even running, potentially making them the one earbuds you'll ever need.
Quick Charging: 5 min | Claimed Battery Life: 10 hrs
Who Is This Best For: If you're an Android user seeking the ultimate in portability and wireless freedom, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 should be at the top of 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: These premium buds are for anyone living in multiple ecosystems who needs a product that works equally well across operating systems. Got an iPhone and a PC? Or an Android phone and an iPad? These pair beautifully with them all, without sacrificing sound or noise cancellation.
Why We Love Them: We love how expansive the soundstage is and how well they block out ambient noise. Although they still lack the ability to turn ANC off, we appreciate the sliding scale for transparency. Additionally, they had some of the clearest calls in the group, with voices that take center stage above the background clutter, even in the loudest environments.
Should You Buy It? The Bose are expensive, and while there is much to love, they may not be the right solution for everyone. If your budget is larger and you use multiple devices, they could be the perfect solution with stellar sound and top-notch noise cancellation. However, if you are an iOS-only user, there are better options available. If your budget is smaller or you prefer a longer battery life, consider looking elsewhere for a more affordable option. They are also large and may not fit everyone.
Quick Charging: 10 min | Claimed Battery Life: 6 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 about the bells and whistles and more about doing the basics well at a lower price, the Nothing Ear is for you.
Why We Love It: These buds deliver powerful sound in a compact design. These buds have 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 in 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: The CMF Buds 2 Plus are perfect for anyone seeking a quality set of earbuds with better-than-average sound quality and noise cancellation, who doesn't have the deep pockets required for a premium pair. If you want a long battery life, you'll be in love.
Why We Love It: We love that these earbuds are comfortable and give you better sound than any other buds in this price range. They have a good app with some features and customization, and the fidget spinner case is a fun addition. They also offer some of the best noise cancellation for any bud under $300, making them perfect for teens, a backup pair, or the ideal companion for casual listeners looking to drown out outside distractions.
Should You Buy It? Yes! The CMF Buds are an excellent option for almost everyone, regardless of your listening goals. These earbuds impressed in every test and stood out as a pair that punches well above its weight class for active noise cancellation (not always found on budget buds) and sound that is better than some competitors that cost three times the price.
Quick Charging: 1 min | Claimed Battery Life: 14 hrs
The simplicity of the CMF Buds allows their performance to rise above, with audio and noise cancellation that surpasses anything we've seen in this price range.
Who Is This Best For: The Bose Ultra Open are ideal for individuals who struggle to find a comfortable fit or require 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 users. 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 features. 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 edge of the ear canal without sealing the opening. These have an airy feel and no noise cancellation.
Who Is This Best For: The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are perfect for dedicated runners seeking an uncompromising fit, sweat resistance, and total awareness of their surroundings. If you want loud music, environmental input, and no shift fit, this is the one for you.
Why We Love Them: The unique shape and design create an ear-hugging experience that is both comfortable and stays in place 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 fabulous 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 and 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 at a lower 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 cancellation, and you'll need a headphone jack or adapter. However, 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
The features or functions that are important depend on how you plan to use them. Stability and comfort might be more critical to a runner than to 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 of 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 holds a Music degree from the University of New Mexico and has a passion for music, as well as training in classical singing. Dave is a musical producer with over 20 years of experience 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 delicate balancing act between achieving optimal performance for your goals and staying within your budget. Choosing among top-scoring contenders can be a no-brainer if money is no object. However, things can get a bit sticky if you hope to match your listening goals, how you plan to use them, and your budget.
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 primary types of wearable audio devices: 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 vital 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
Wireless headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, allow you to live untethered in the world.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 feature large, cushioned cups that fully surround your ears without direct contact, providing enhanced all-day comfort and improved 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, resulting in 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.
Wireless Earbuds Metrics
Product
Sound
Comfort
Noise Cancellation
Call Quality
Airpods Pro 3
8.2
8.9
9.0
9.6
AirPods Pro 2
7.8
8.5
7.9
9.0
Pixel Buds Pro 2
7.7
8.7
7.8
7.3
Bose QC Ultra (Gen 2)
8.7
6.1
8.5
8.0
Galaxy Buds3 Pro
7.9
8.4
7.8
6.3
Sennheiser Momentum
8.8
7.1
7.5
6.8
Bose QC Ultra
8.6
5.9
8.3
7.1
Nothing Ear
7.6
8.0
6.7
7.6
Sony WF-1000XM5
7.3
8.3
8.7
5.1
Bose QuietComfort
7.6
6.5
8.2
6.7
CMF Buds 2 Plus
6.7
7.7
6.7
5.8
Bose Ultra Open
6.7
8.9
2.0
8.5
Beats Studio Buds +
5.0
7.0
6.4
7.6
EarFun Air Pro 4
6.7
6.2
7.2
5.0
Technics EAH-AZ100
7.6
6.5
7.8
3.2
Bowers & Wilkins
8.3
7.3
5.5
3.0
JLab Go Pop++
5.7
5.0
6.8
5.5
Powerbeats Pro
5.8
5.6
4.7
5.8
TOZO T10
5.3
4.6
5.7
6.0
Airpods 4 ANC
6.3
3.5
3.8
7.2
Powerbeats Pro 2
5.8
4.5
7.6
2.7
JBL Vibe Beam
3.2
5.0
5.6
6.1
Soundcore P20i
3.6
5.2
6.0
4.6
Amazon Echo
2.5
1.7
2.3
6.6
Earbuds with clips, wings, bands, and hugging designs are ideal for activities like running and working out.
Credit: Elizabeth White
Wired Earbuds are often cheaper, don't require charging, provide decent sound, and are portable; however, they tend to tangle easily or get in the way. Additionally, depending on your device, you may need to use an adapter. Alternatively, wireless earbuds offer more freedom, are discreet, and are better suited for workouts or life on the go. However, their compact size makes them easier to lose, and finding a comfortable fit can be particularly challenging for those with 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, as well as what you will 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 best option if you listen frequently 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 ideal for travel, activities, and pairing with glasses or earrings. While you might sacrifice some sound quality, and the noise cancellation isn't as effective as that of headphones, the trade-offs for those who listen 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 everything. However, one pair might be able to do all that YOU need. If you want a noise blocker for work and commuting but still appreciate hearing detailed nuances in music, there is a pair for that. If you need good calls, excellent active noise cancellation, and a wide soundstage, yes, one pair can deliver that. If you desire transparency while running, noise cancellation while working, a compact size for travel, a stable fit for working out, and audiophile levels of sound quality, you'll likely need more than one pair to meet all of these needs (though the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is pretty good at all these things). Earbuds or headphones can't do everything. Solving this issue depends on the type of listener you are and your specific goals.
One solution could be an excellent pair of headphones that invests enough money to deliver good sound, a functional call-making ability, and better noise cancellation at a budget-friendly 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 pair them with a stable-fitting set of earbuds that prioritize environmental awareness for running, workouts, and public spaces where you need to be aware of what and who is moving around you. Luckily, better-performing and compelling options in each type can allow you to own both for less than the cost of 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 the very least, 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 serve as a suitable alternative to 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 in sweaty or wet environments, it's essential to be aware of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings and their meaning. 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 has two Xs. The first X represents the product's protection against solid objects like dust and dirt, and the second represents the 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.
Earbuds suitable for running often include features designed to secure them in place, so you never lose a bud while moving at speed.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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 can be anywhere from $20 to $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. Choosing the less expensive model could save you money, and you may 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 extensive testing with a panel of expert listeners and casual users, we believe most people won't realize what they are missing by opting for a more affordable option, and will be glad they're not spending 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 at the top, there are other noteworthy options that could work well for listeners with more niche needs.
Focal Bathys — These premium 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 True 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 Ultra Earbuds — The Ultras were recently unseated from their power position in the Bose lineup by the Gen 2, but that doesn't mean they aren't worthy, and there is a chance you can find them on sale. These buds have great sound and noise cancellation, but they are bulky and, much like their new sibling, have a shorter battery life.
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.
EarFun Air Pro 4 — The EarFun are a compelling set of budget buds we think could be a good match for some listeners. While they cost more than the CMF Buds and didn't perform quite as well as the Nothing Ear overall, we enjoyed these feature-filled budget-friendly buds and thought the sound was playful, and the noise cancellation is better than both the CMF and Nothing Ear.
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 a tendency to lose things might be very pleased with the average performance and the 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 is a fan of bone-conduction technology. However, we believe many runners will be more than pleased with what they receive 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
