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The Best Headphones

By Lauren Dragan
Updated
Half a dozen of our best headphones picks arranged on a wood surface.
Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

The best headphones not only sound great but also do everything else you need, whether that means fitting in your pocket, blocking out noise on your subway commute, or remaining secure in your ears during workouts.

We’ve tested hundreds of headphones for a variety of uses and at a variety of prices. This article provides some shopping guidance, as well as an overview of all our top headphone and earbud picks, with links to the full guides.

What you need to know


  • How will you use them?

    Do you need an all-purpose pair of headphones that does everything well or a pair that excels at one thing, like vocal clarity or sweat resistance?

  • ANC isn’t a cure-all

    Though active noise cancellation can be very effective for sustained, lower-pitched sounds like airplane noise, it doesn’t work well for voices.

  • Wearable tech

    Headphones have to fit your body. Choose a style that makes you feel comfortable so that you’ll enjoy wearing them for the long term.

  • Bluetooth or not?

    Wireless headphones can feel liberating, but they don’t connect to every computer. And they can cost more for the same sound quality as a wired pair.

With so many headphones options, the process of buying a pair can feel overwhelming. If you have no idea where to start, we recommend that you consider the following questions and make a list of the features that matter most to you. From there, you can compare your needs to the specifications of the headphones and decide how best to spend your money.

Earbuds or over-ear headphones? It’s vital to choose a pair that you can wear comfortably. Aspects to keep in mind: your hairstyle, earrings/piercings, whether you’ll be performing high-impact movements, and the climate in which you’ll be wearing the headphones. Though earbuds are lighter and more portable, they often have a shorter battery life and sound less immersive than similarly priced over-ear designs, and it can be trickier to find the perfect fit. Over-ear headphones fit more ear shapes easily, but some people may feel hot with their ears always covered, and many headbands aren’t compatible with fluffy hair.

How will you use your headphones? Are you looking for an all-purpose pair that you can take everywhere? Or do you have a specific use in mind, such as travel, workouts, TV watching, office use, or gaming? Some headphones do nearly everything well, while others excel at a certain task. Are you mostly listening to music, or do you need good microphone quality for phone calls and video chats? For office use and gaming, a headset with a boom mic or background-noise reduction might be the way to go. Do you need your earbuds to be waterproof or sweatproof for workouts? By narrowing down and prioritizing specific features, you can focus on spending your money where it counts and skip the unnecessary extras.

What devices will you be connecting to? Depending on what devices you use every day, you may want to choose a pair that works well with any operating system or one that is specifically designed to unlock specialized features on your phone or tablet. How important is voice control, and are you tied to a certain platform, such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant? If you want to connect to a tower PC that has no wireless connectivity, you may want a pair that connects with a wire or USB, depending on what type of outputs your computer has.

Do you need active noise cancellation? Active noise cancellation is great for reducing lower-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane engine or an HVAC system, but it isn’t as effective with higher-frequency sounds like voices. How effective and adjustable do you need the ANC to be? Some headphones simply offer on/off, whereas others offer adjustable ANC, which makes it easier for you to find a performance and comfort level that works. If you don’t like how ANC affects your ears, or you’re a musician using your headphones for recording, an over-ear pair with excellent passive noise isolation may be a better choice.

Wired or wireless? Wired headphones recently had a resurgence in popularity. Among the reasons for the comeback is that, generally, wired has better audio performance for less money, since the cost goes mainly into tuning, drivers, and design, instead of features like Bluetooth. And with wired headphones, you don’t have to worry about charging a battery. Still, many people love the freedom and convenience that wireless headphones bring, especially now that headphone jacks are disappearing from smartphones. If both connection methods sound appealing, consider a pair that can work both wired and wirelessly, but be sure to check whether some features are disabled in wired mode. If you choose wireless, notice the battery life. How long do you plan on listening each day? Are you good about keeping your wireless devices charged, or do you need wireless headphones that can go for long stretches of time without being plugged in? Be honest with yourself on this one, or you’ll just be frustrated later.

What (and how intuitive) are the control options? When it comes to controlling power, volume, track skip, and the like, do you prefer physical buttons or touch-sensitive pads? We recommend that you try both kinds of controls before you buy, if possible. If dexterity concerns are a factor for you, consider over-ear designs, which often have larger surface areas for the controls compared with true wireless earbuds.

Our pick

This versatile, over-ear pair sounds great, has a long battery life, and offers premium features at a lower price than its competitors. Some controls are a bit sensitive, though.

Who this is for: The JBL Tour One M2 has an intuitive design with a comfortable fit and great battery life, making it an excellent choice when you want a convenient and long-lasting wireless listening experience.

Why we like it: The sound is good right out of the box, and it can be further improved with the use of the EQ settings in JBL’s app. The battery life, rated at 30 to 50 hours, is excellent, and the battery recharges quickly. Voice control is available via the always-listening Alexa and Google Assistant functions, and Apple users can access Siri via a simple button push. The M2 supports dual-device connectivity, and the built-in microphones reduce wind and background noise remarkably well, ensuring clear phone calls—even on the go. Plus, this pair is water-resistant (with an IPX5 rating).

The JBL Tour One M2 wireless headphones.
Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The controls are more sensitive than we’d like, and we wish the physical volume buttons were larger. JBL has included an automatic ANC setting, which adjusts the noise-cancellation levels based on your surroundings or how much sound is leaking in. But we found the real-time changes to be disconcerting, similar to your ears popping when a plane lands, so we chose to turn off that feature.

Battery life: 30–50 hours
Warranty: one year
Protected against: water (IPX5)

For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones.

Our pick

The Space A40 earbuds sound great, fit securely, and have a variety of convenient features that make them a great all-purpose choice.

Buying Options

$80 $50 from Amazon

You save $30 (38%)

Who this is for: These true wireless earbuds have zero wires to get in your way, so they’re right for you if you demand maximum portability without any sacrifices in sound or call quality.

Why we like it: The Soundcore Space A40 packs great sound, 10 hours of battery life, good microphone quality, dual-device connectivity, and excellent noise cancellation into earbuds the size of slightly squashed marbles—with a price around $100. The sound quality is enjoyable right out of the box, and you can fine-tune the sound using the Soundcore app. The pocket-sized charging case holds an additional 40 hours worth of power and supports wireless charging. You can use either earbud on its own, and there are six microphones that deliver clear phone calls and a natural-sounding hear-through mode. Dual-device connectivity allows you to effortlessly switch between listening to music on your laptop and taking a call on your phone. The IPX4 water-resistance rating means your earbuds are protected from a little rain or sweat.

The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds sit with the carrying case.
Photo: Connie Park

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The touch-based controls work reliably and are customizable in the app, but they don’t offer everything: You’ll have to choose one function, such as track-reverse, to omit. If you want to use your phone’s voice-activated digital assistant, you’ll have to tap the controls to initiate it; this pair isn’t always listening for a wake word.

Battery life: 10 hours
Warranty: 18 months
Protected against: water (IPX4)

For more info, see our full review of the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds.

Our pick

The Bose 700 over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

Buying Options

Who this is for: This set is great for anyone who needs noise-cancelling headphones and wants the convenience of wireless without giving up anything in terms of sound quality.

Why we like it: The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the best pair of headphones that Bose has ever released. These headphones are expensive, but we think they’re worth the cost if you put a high premium on performance and comfort. They offer the superior noise cancellation that Bose is known for, plus more adjustability than on any noise-cancelling headphones we’ve tested. You can adjust the active noise cancellation (ANC) level on a scale from 0 to 10, so if you find that you are experiencing the uncomfortable “eardrum suck” issue—or if you just want a little more sense of your surroundings—you have more flexibility to find a level that works for you. These headphones also have a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear for hours, and they feature an easy-to-use combination of touch controls and physical buttons that you can access without looking.

A pair of Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.
Photo: Connie Park

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sound quality is good but not as crisp as on the best over-ear headphones we’ve tested, and the app can be vexing. The battery life isn’t industry-leading, but at 20 hours it’s more than sufficient.

Battery life: 20 hours
Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best noise-cancelling headphones.

Our pick

This pair of wireless earbuds sounds fantastic and cancels noise better than any others we’ve tested. However, people with very small ears might struggle to keep them securely in place.

Who this is for: This pair of earbuds is perfect for commuters who want excellent noise cancellation in a small, convenient package.

Why we like it: The Sony WF-1000XM5 has the best noise cancellation of any earbud pair we’ve measured, and it utilizes specially designed ear tips to help block sounds that ANC can sometimes miss. But if you need to hear your surroundings at times, you can either hold a finger to the left earbud to enable the hear-through mode or turn on the speak-to-chat feature. The earbuds’ touch controls are large enough that misfiring is rare, and the sound quality is great at producing high frequencies and punchy bass.

Our pick for best noise-cancelling earbuds overall, the Sony WF-1000XM5, displayed next to their charging case in front of a blue background.
Photo: Michael Murtaugh

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The earbuds may not be the best fit if you have smaller or more sensitive ears. Since they don’t feature stabilizing wings, those with an active lifestyle may want to opt for something more secure. While the design is perfect for noise isolation, if you don’t like a feeling of fullness in your ears, the Sony WF-1000XM5 might not be the best choice. They also don’t have the ability to adjust the amount of ANC, but the passive isolation mitigates the sensation of eardrum suck.

Battery life: eight hours
Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best noise-cancelling headphones.

Our pick

The NS-HAWHP2 over-ear headphones are comfortable, with solid sound and no audio lag. The transmitter doubles as a charging base for the headphones, but the system supports only a single pair of headphones.

Buying Options

Who this is for: This wireless headphone system is for someone who wants to watch TV or play video games without disturbing others in their household, or someone who needs to listen at a higher volume to hear dialogue properly.

Why we like it: The Insignia NS-HAWHP2 system is easy to use, sounds good, and delivers a comfortable fit so you can enjoy marathon binge-watching and gaming sessions. The package includes a single pair of headphones and a wireless transmitter that doubles as a docking station for storing and charging the headphones when they aren’t in use. Insignia promises 10 hours of battery life, but we got more than 11 hours on a charge, so you could easily binge an entire eight-episode season of Stranger Things in one sitting. The NS-HAWHP2 uses radio frequency (RF) wireless transmission, and in our tests we didn’t notice significant lag between the audio and video, which can be a problem for Bluetooth-based systems. These headphones delivered the most consistent, balanced sound in our recent tests, and they were also lighter and more comfortable than many competitors.

The best wireless TV headphones, the Insignia NS-HAWHP2, shown on their base station.
Photo: Sarah Kobos

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The main downside is that the Insignia system comes with only one pair of headphones, and you can’t add more. If you need multiple pairs of headphones, consider our also-great pick, the Power Acoustik HP-902RFT.

Battery life: 11 hours
Wireless connection type: RF

For more info, see our full review of the best wireless TV headphones.

Our pick

Waterproof and sweatproof with a secure fit, the JBL Reflect Aero TWS earbuds offer good sound, excellent noise cancellation, and a helpful hear-through mode.

Buying Options

Who this is for: If you use your headphones regularly at the gym, you need workout headphones specifically designed to stay in place through a variety of high-impact moves.

Why we like it: The JBL Reflect Aero TWS true wireless earbuds have a high level of protection against water and sweat (with an IP68 rating), and they should stay securely in place when you exercise, thanks to the stabilizing wings. The sealed design and active noise cancellation will reduce the sounds of traffic or workout equipment, while the natural-sounding hear-through mode lets you have quick conversations when needed. The eight hours of battery life is good for true wireless earbuds, and the pocket-sized case offers up an additional 16 hours of juice. The large, touch-based controls are easy to learn and use, and Google and Alexa users will appreciate the hands-free, voice-activated-assistant compatibility. Out of the box, the Reflect Aero TWS earbuds sound good, but you can also fine-tune the sound using the app.

Our pick for best workout headphones overall, the JBL Reflect Aero TWS, shown next to their charging case.
Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The stabilizing wings may bother people with sensitive ears or small ear canals. While the touch-based controls are easy to use, you can only assign two sets of controls: playback controls, ANC/hear-through controls, or volume controls (not all three at the same time). We also wish the case supported wireless charging.

Battery life: eight hours
Warranty: one year
Protected against: dust, sweat, and water (IP68)

For more info, see our full review of the best workout headphones.

The JLab Go Air Sport earbuds sit next to the charging case.
Photo: Michael Hession

Who this is for: The person who loves to run—whether it’s inside on a treadmill or out on a trail—and relies on music, podcasts, or audiobooks for motivation or distraction.

Why we like it: Our conversations with runners have revealed that different runners value different headphone features, so we recommend a variety of earbuds to suit assorted needs—including the Cleer Arc II Sport (for runners who prefer to hear external sounds), the JBL Reflect Aero TWS (for runners who need a secure fit or want to block out noise completely), the Shokz OpenRun (who runners who don’t like earbuds), and the JLab Go Air Sport (for budget-conscious runners).

Check out our complete guide to the best running headphones to learn more about all of our running recommendations.

Five pairs of kids headphones sit against an orange backdrop, with an iPhone playing music.
Photo: Michael Hession

Who this is for: Yes, kids headphones are sized for smaller heads (roughly, ages 2 to 12), but they also include a volume-limiting feature made for the hearing safety of kiddos who listen via headphones frequently.

Why we like it: We offer a variety of recommendations for different uses. We like the Puro BT2200-Plus pair for everyday music and video listening, the PuroQuiet-Plus set for travel (thanks to its good active noise cancellation), the JLab JBuddies Play headphones for online schooling and gaming (with a built-in, extendable boom mic), and for value the Onanoff BuddyPhones Explore+ (for toddlers) and the Altec Lansing MZX4500 (for kindergartners to tweens).

For more info, see our full review of the best kids headphones.

Our pick

The Sony MDR-7506, a longtime favorite of audio professionals, offers more reliability, more comfort, and better sound than many headphones twice its price.

Buying Options

Who this is for: Budding audio fans, musicians who need headphones for recording, and podcasters alike will find these headphones, and their price, the most attractive. They're affordable and dependable, and they sound great.

Why we like it: The Sony MDR-7506 has been a studio and live-audio staple since its release in 1991. Not only does it provide accurate-sounding bass, mids, and treble, but it also gives you a better sense of the depth and dynamics of your music than many models twice the price. Durable, comfortable, and reliable, this pair usually costs under $100.

The Sony MDR-7506 Audiophile headphones.
Photo: Rozette Rago

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the long, coiled cable is practical, being able to swap it out for a shorter cord with a remote and a mic for mobile-device usage or to replace a damaged cord would be nice. Also, the looks are professional but in no way stylish.

Driver: 40 mm dynamic neodymium
Frequency response (claimed): 10–20,000 Hz
Cable style: 9.8 feet coiled with 3.5 mm and removable ¼-inch adapter

For more info, see our full review of the best audiophile headphones for everyday use.

Our pick

This pair offers excellent sound and build quality, plus a ton of accessories. The cable is sturdy and detachable, but it lacks a remote and microphone.

Buying Options

Who this is for: Wired earbuds are for anyone who values sound quality over wireless capability or noise cancelling but wants something they can easily pack in a pocket or small bag.

Why we like it: The FiiO FD3 Pro is a great-sounding pair that is comfortable, well built, and capable of drawing power from any smartphone, laptop, or digital audio player. The earbuds have a semi-open design that allows for a more spacious sound than you often get at this price, and it also relieves pressure in the ear canal. The FD3 Pro’s slightly warm tonal balance makes bright recordings more listenable while maintaining a generally balanced audio presentation, though bass lovers may want for more. The cable is detachable, which improves its longevity and lets you swap in a cable with a remote and microphone if you need them. The generous selection of ear tips and accessories ensures compatibility with a wide range of ear shapes and audio devices.

A pair of FiiO FD3 Pro earbuds.
Photo: Marki Williams

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The semi-open design allows a bit of sound to leak in and out. The more expensive FiiO FH5s set offers better passive noise isolation. Also, the cable transfers a little noise.

Warranty: one year
Replaceable cable: yes

For more info, see our full review of the best wired earbuds.

Our pick

This affordable pair of over-ear headphones sounds good, is comfortable to wear, and has a long battery life. Plus the noise cancellation is above average.

Who these are for: If you’re looking for traditional over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones and want good sound for the least amount of money.

Why we like it: The sound is adjustable to your preference through the Soundcore app, and this set is lightweight, with memory foam earcups that are soft and comfortable. The ANC is competitive with that of much pricier headphones. The battery life of 40 hours with ANC on (even longer with it off) is excellent for a pair at this price. The three microphones ensure that your voice sounds clear over calls, and the Easy Chat mode—a hear-through mode that adjusts based on the human vocal range—works well on quick calls.

A pair of light blue Soundcore Space One headphones, our budget pick, against a green background.
Photo: Michael Murtaugh

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Soundcore Space One headphones use small physical buttons instead of touch controls—so there is a learning curve to find them without looking. Although the sound is enjoyable, it can come off a little coarse with higher frequencies, and the male vocal range is somewhat muddied.

Battery life: 40+ hours
Warranty: 18 months

For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones.

Our pick

The EarFun Free 2S earbuds are completely wireless and come with a lot of features you don’t usually find at this price. This set is not as balanced-sounding as other options, though.

Buying Options

Who this is for: If your heart is set on true wireless earbuds but you aren’t willing to pay more than about $50, these are your best option.

Why we like it: The EarFun Free 2S is a completely wireless pair of earbuds that remains affordable while still providing an experience on a par with (and sometimes better than) that of true wireless earbuds in the $90 to $100 range. The pair has many features you usually find only on higher-priced models, such as a noise-reducing microphone for calls, a case that charges wirelessly, and full tap-based controls. It comes with an 18-month warranty and has high water resistance with an IPX7 rating.

The EarFun Free 2S earbuds sit with one earbud in the case, and one next to it.
Photo: Connie Park

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This pair lacks advanced features like active noise cancellation and a hear-through mode. These earbuds don’t sound as balanced as other options like the 1More Piston Fit BT pair. The EarFun Free 2S has a pronounced high-frequency spike that may be fatiguing for sensitive listeners, while other listeners might register it only as a whistle-like quality in “s” sounds or overemphasized cymbal rings. But this isn’t an uncommon sound profile, and we’ve found the same flaw in more expensive earbuds, so it’s not as much of a dealbreaker at this price.

Battery life: seven hours (plus 23 more hours in the case)
Protected against: water (IPX7)
Warranty: 18 months

For more info, see our full guide to the best wireless earbuds

Our pick

This wired set sounds excellent for its super-affordable price, and comes with a three-button remote and microphone to control music playback and take phone calls. It lacks any waterproof rating.

Buying Options

Who this is for: Anyone looking for wired earbuds that are super affordable.

Why we like it: For around $15, this pair feels substantially built, has a three-button remote and mic on the cable, and delivers sound quality on a par with earbuds that cost twice as much. The Quarks pair has clear, crisp highs and a broader soundstage than anything we’ve heard under 20 bucks. The microphone is a basic analog mic, but it delivered clear-sounding voices. (An even cheaper version is available without the remote/mic.)

A pair of Moondrop Quarks earbuds.
Photo: Michael Murtaugh

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sound quality can’t match that of our favorite (and much pricier) wired earbud picks, and the Quarks pair doesn’t include any sweat or waterproof protection, so we don’t recommend them for working out.

Remote: three-button remote/mic

For more info, see our full review of the best earbuds under $50.

Our pick

These sealed headphones have a detailed, exciting sound that’s good for any type of music. They’re comfortable but bulky.

Buying Options

This pair delivers a spacious, balanced sound rivaling that of headphones costing several times as much, but its open-back design lets sound in and out.

Buying Options

Who these are for: These types of headphones are for music connoisseurs who want better performance than standard cans, but they’re not so expensive or delicate that you’re afraid to take them with you to work or school.

Why we like them: The Monolith by Monoprice M565C headphones have an exciting, detailed sound, beating out pairs that cost hundreds more. Suitable for any genre of music, the planar-magnetic drivers are housed in isolating closed-back earcups, so that you can block out distractions and focus on enjoying your playlist. They have a sturdy, comfortable build and replaceable cable, and Monoprice’s five-year warranty is about the longest of any headphones we’ve seen.

If you prefer open-back headphones, we recommend the FiiO FT3 for their balanced and spacious sound. This pair provides rich detail in the higher frequencies and has solid low-frequency output, a rarity for most open-back headphones. The sound can be slightly modified depending on which pair of included earpads you choose to outfit them with.

Our pick for the best audiophile headphones for an audio upgrade, the Monolith by Monoprice M565C.
Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For people who prefer to keep a lower profile when listening, the M565C may not be ideal. Because they don’t fold up, and their hard-sided storage case is one of the largest we tested, they aren’t easily portable. The M565C model doesn’t deliver quite as much presence in the mids as we’d like, and some of our panelists would have preferred a little extra sparkle on the highs. Plus, the cable is a bit noisy if you move around a lot. Lastly, the M565C set doesn’t come with a cable that has a remote and mic option for mobile use.

Not everyone prefers the sound created by open-back headphones like the FiiO FT3. Because the ear cups are unsealed, sound is able to filter in and out, meaning you can hear your surroundings and people around can hear what you’re listening to. The FT3’s chassis and cable are also bulkier than we prefer. This pair’s sound quality was better than that of other open-back headphones we tested, but open-back models lack substantial bass compared to closed-back headphones, and we noticed a slightly spiky emphasis in the 5 and 8 kilohertz ranges.

Monolith by Monoprice M565C
Weight: 13.7 ounces
Warranty: five years

FiiO FT3
Weight: 13.8 ounces
Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best audiophile headphones for everyday use.

Meet your guide

Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested nearly 2,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She’s been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she’s a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.

Further reading

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    The Best Bluetooth Headphone Adapter

    by Adrienne Maxwell

    If you want to use your favorite wired headphones over a wireless connection, the easy-to-use 1Mii ML100 is the best Bluetooth headphone adapter for most people.

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    The Best Headphones for Running

    by Lauren Dragan

    When it comes to running headphones, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. So we have multiple recommendations based on style, features, and price.

  • Our favorite noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds, displayed next to a computer keyboard and a notepad, in front of a blue background.

    The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

    by Lauren Dragan

    Whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear noise-cancelling headphones, we have recommendations to help bring peace to your next trip.

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