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The Best Headphones Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The Best Headphones of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

The Best Headphones Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

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Editor's Choice Product image of Sony WH-1000XM4
Best Overall

Sony WH-1000XM4

Check Price at Amazon

Sony’s noise-canceling headphones are comfy, lightweight, and offer amazing sound. They also offer a handful of really useful features. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent audio quality
  • Top-notch noise cancelling
  • All day comfort

Cons

  • Effective operation has a learning curve
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Overall Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5

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The Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver class-leading noise-canceling performance with excellent sound quality and an app that offers a bunch of customizability. Read More

Pros

  • Class leading ANC
  • Excellent, balanced sound
  • Works for both Apple and Android

Cons

  • Fit takes fiddling
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Best for iPhone

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

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Apple’s updated AirPods Pro may look the same, but features like Adaptive Transparency and next-gen noise canceling make them the best buds around. Read More

Pros

  • Next-gen noise canceling
  • Adaptive Transparency mode
  • Sound and battery boost

Cons

  • No EQ or ANC adjustment
  • No separate app for Android
4
Editor's Choice Product image of Sony WH-1000XM5
Best Noise Canceling Over-ears

Sony WH-1000XM5

Check Price at Amazon

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones offer significant upgrades over the WH-1000XM4, with a higher price to match. Are these the best wireless headphones? Read More

Pros

  • Lush, powerful sound
  • Top-notch comfort and features
  • Incredible noise canceling

Cons

  • Same battery as XM4
  • Less portable than rivals
5
Editor's Choice Product image of Anker Soundcore Space A40
Best Value

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Check Price at Amazon

The Soundcore Space A40 set a new mark for earbuds under $100 thanks to great sound and noise canceling that outperforms many pricier options. Read More

Pros

  • Amazing ANC for the price
  • Customizable sound profiles
  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Little sizzly out of the box
  • Lows can cover vocals
  • Best Overall Sony WH-1000XM4
  • Best Overall Earbuds Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Best for iPhone Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Best Noise Canceling Over-ears Sony WH-1000XM5
  • Best Value Anker Soundcore Space A40
  • Best for Kids Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Kids Headphones
  • Other Top Headphones We Tested
  • How We Test Headphones
  • What to Consider Before Buying Headphones
  • FAQs on Headphones
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

Whether you’re a fan of traditional over the ear headphones or prefer wireless earbuds, you’ll likely spend a lot of time with your chosen headset. It’s important to find the most comfortable fit and the best sound for your budget. Our team has tested hundreds of pairs of headphones over the years to measure sound quality, fit, battery life, noise canceling features, and more in order to determine which headphones are the best of the best.

Currently, our pick for overall best headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM4 (available at Amazon for $248.00) . They're extremely comfortable and offer amazing sound, incredible noise cancellation, and a barrel full of modern features without an audiophile price tag.

We’ve also got plenty of other options for different use cases and budgets. So whether you need nimble wireless workout earbuds, travel cans for the long haul, or something in between, you'll find what you’re looking for here.

Credit: Reviewed / Lee Neikirk

The Sony WH-1000XM4 combine excellent sound, a comfortable fit, and great noise-canceling performance in an attractive, foldable package.

Best Overall
Sony WH-1000XM4
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Weight: 254 grams
  • Battery life: 30 hours per charge

Comfortable and light with amazing sound and noise canceling, the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones get a whole lot right. They also offer unique features like Quick Attention, which pauses the music and illuminates your surroundings when you put your hand over the right cup. They also support multipoint pairing for connecting to two Bluetooth devices at once, so you can switch between music on your phone and Zoom calls on your computer.

Sony’s Headphones Connect app is well thought out, letting you control EQ transparency mode, and more. But you don’t need to dive into the customization to appreciate their quality. Their comfort is readily apparent, and their noise canceling is so fine-tuned that it can adjust to everything from “glasses wearers” to “barometric pressure.” Despite all the options, the controls are simple and intuitive, including physical keys and touch controls. You also get 30 hours of battery life. This is a top-tier headset, and we’ve yet to find anything better at this price point.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review.

Pros

  • Excellent audio quality

  • Top-notch noise cancelling

  • All day comfort

Cons

  • Effective operation has a learning curve

$248.00 from Amazon

$249.99 from Best Buy

$249.99 from Target

$248.00 from Abt
The Sony WF-1000XM5 in their charing case being held in someone's fingers above green grass.
Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

Not only do the Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver the best noise-canceling performance, they sound excellent, too.

Best Overall Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, adaptive transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 8 hours with ANC; up to 24 hours with the case

Competition for top earbuds is fierce from year to year, with Apple bumping the Sony WF-1000XM4 with the AirPods Pro 2, and now Sony has done the same to Apple.

The WF-1000XM5's noise-canceling performance might be incremental rather than a leap in performance, but they still slightly exceed both the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. While the XM5 let in a little more of a low-frequency airplane drone, they don’t have the added high-end hiss found on the Bose and Apple. Plus, they do a better job attenuating troublesome midrange frequencies like coffeehouse chatter.

The WF-1000XM5 do beat the QCEII and AirPods Pro 2 in two important ways. Sound quality for both music and calls far exceeds the performance of the Bose, and unlike the AirPods, the XM5 function just as well with Apple products as they do with Android. Getting a solid fit can take some effort, but overall there isn’t a better pair of wireless earbuds available.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

Pros

  • Class leading ANC

  • Excellent, balanced sound

  • Works for both Apple and Android

Cons

  • Fit takes fiddling

$278.00 from Amazon

$279.99 from Best Buy

$279.99 from Target

$278.00 from Abt
An image of the Apple AirPods Pro in a case on grass.
Credit: Reviewed / Ryan Waniata

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) deliver significant upgrades to noise canceling, transparency mode, and sound.

Best for iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, Adaptive Transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 6 hours with ANC (up to 7 without), up to 31 hours with the case

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd generation) pushes the success of the original AirPods Pro even further. You may not be able to tell the difference by looking at them, but the new model features better battery life, sound, and noise canceling. Plus, a new update has added USB-C to the AirPods Pro 2 case (although both versions are still on the market, so be careful to choose the one you want).

The noise canceling is truly something special, even beating out over-ear options like Sony’s WH-1000XM5.

Adaptive Transparency mode is clearer and more natural-sounding than ever. It can also attenuate external noise to 85dB in real time. It’s no substitute for proper ear protection, but it’s nice to have. Add in better bass response, clearer sound, fantastic call quality, and a light 5.4-gram weight, and you’ve got some of the best earbuds we’ve tested.

The new case is great for folks who misplace their earbuds, adding a speaker system that helps you find it when it’s lost and precision tracking with the Find My app.

It’s hard to find significant negatives, but there are a handful of improvements we’d like to see. The battery life could be better, and we wish there was more control over audio like EQ and ANC control. Also, Android users are out of luck for any kind of app or settings menu.

That said, the new AirPods Pro are easily the best earbuds you can buy. As long as you have an iPhone to use them with and the cash to spare, it’s an easy choice.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) review.

Pros

  • Next-gen noise canceling

  • Adaptive Transparency mode

  • Sound and battery boost

Cons

  • No EQ or ANC adjustment

  • No separate app for Android

$189.00 from Amazon

$269.00 from Walmart
Sony WH-1000XM5 white and black models sit on a black desktop.
Credit: Reviewed/Ryan Waniata

The WH-1000XM5 offer some of the best noise-canceling with top-notch sound and comfort.

Best Noise Canceling Over-ears
Sony WH-1000XM5
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Weight: 250 grams
  • Battery life: 30 hours per charge

Sony’s WH-1000XM5, are a more than worthy successor to our top pick, the XM4. The price difference is drastic enough that we hesitate to put them on top of our list. However, if you’re willing to shell out for the best combination of overall package and ANC performance, here it is.

The 1000XM5 reimagines Sony’s 1000XM line, with more oval-shaped ear cups similar to Apple’s AirPods Max. The plush cups and headband are covered in synthetic leather, offering more comfort for longer stretches of use.

There are a lot of noteworthy improvements, but the incredible adaptive noise canceling is chief among them. It does a fantastic job of canceling out droning sounds like fans and engines. It turns in an impressively strong performance on high-frequency sounds, as well, enabled by dual ANC chipsets and eight dedicated microphones.

It’s far and away some of the best ANC performance we’ve ever seen in over-ear headphones. The only sets that top it are Bose’s QC45 and QuietComfort Earbuds II, and Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd gen). But none of those can compare to the XM5 when it comes to sound quality.

Speaking of that sound quality, it’s an improvement in definition and dynamics over the XM4. It offers brilliant detail for any genre, especially once you’ve optimized the EQ in the Sony Headphones app.

The app also does a great job of making the wild list of features easy to manage. It’s where you’ll adjust EQ and transparency mode, as well as those great 1000XM features we love like multipoint pairing and Quick Attention. The touch controls and 30-hour battery life are the same as the XM4, though this set charges faster.

We don’t have a lot of complaints, but there are a couple. Since the ear cups don’t fold inward, the set can be unwieldy to pack. The other big issue is price.

As a steeper investment, most people will find the XM4 to be a better option, especially if they travel a lot. But if you’re looking for the ultimate noise-canceling headphones and are willing to shell out for them, you can’t do better than this.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

Pros

  • Lush, powerful sound

  • Top-notch comfort and features

  • Incredible noise canceling

Cons

  • Same battery as XM4

  • Less portable than rivals

$328.00 from Amazon

$329.99 from Best Buy

$329.99 from Target

$328.00 from Abt
A man wearing the Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds while standing outside in front of a tree.`
Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds deliver the best ANC performance you can get for under $100.

Best Value
Anker Soundcore Space A40
  • Battery life: 10 hours, up to 50 with the case
  • Ambient sound modes: Adaptive ANC, Transparency mode
  • Dust/water resistance: IPX4 rating

Anker’s Soundcore Space A40 is the best offering we’ve seen from a company that was already making remarkably powerful noise-canceling earbuds at budget prices. They punch well above their price point to compete with heavy-hitters like the Jabra Elite 5.

The adaptive active noise canceling is great for low drones like air conditioner hums or airplane cabin noise. It can even take the edge off of nearby coffee shop conversations. Two transparency mode options let you pick between hearing everything, or focusing on letting voices through for quick conversations.

The default sound profile is alright, but the midrange is drowned out somewhat by a piercing high end and strong bass. The good news is that the app features an 8-band EQ to customize.

To go further, the HearID Sound feature profiles your hearing perception and creates a personalized EQ curve. It works pretty well, and it’s certainly better than the default. Hi-res audio and LDAC are both supported.

Touch controls include a single tap, double tap, and a two-second hold. Each of those can be assigned to a variety of controls like volume, track selection, or sound profile selections. They can also be turned off so you don’t accidentally skip a track while adjusting your earbuds.

On top of the strong sound and great features, these earbuds include a wireless-charging case. All in all, the Anker Space A40 are our new gold standard for earbud performance at such a low price point.

Pros

  • Amazing ANC for the price

  • Customizable sound profiles

  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Little sizzly out of the box

  • Lows can cover vocals

$59.00 from Amazon

$78.99 from Walmart
Credit: Reviewed

These headphones are the best choice for keeping your kids' hearing safe

Best for Kids
Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Kids Headphones
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode, decibel reduction
  • Weight: 169 grams
  • Battery life: 22 hours per charge

The Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Kids Headphones are the best headphones for kids we've tested. They come with several features to help protect your kids’ hearing. A volume limiter keeps kids from cranking the headphones to the max, and noise canceling helps diminish their desire to do so.

The recommended max volume for children is 85dB(a) for long-term listening. This headset capped out in our testing at 87dB(a), very near that number. That isn’t very loud, so having the noise canceling goes a long way towards kids being able to hear clearly without harming their ears. It can also help kids with sensory issues deal with ambient noise in crowded places.

The price is a bit of an issue, especially for something you’re going to hand to a child. However, Puro frequently discounts them, and if you have an older (or very responsible) kid, they can be a great investment.

Since these are wireless, the volume limiter is built in instead of sitting on a cable where it can be easily adjusted. And in the modern era where headphone jacks are rare, it means they’ll work with a wider variety of devices. If the battery dies, you can also use them as wired headphones with the attached cable, but the cable’s built-in volume limiter only works when plugged in properly.

Read our full Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Kids Headphones review.

Pros

  • Cuts ambient noise with no technical issues

  • Safe for up to 8 hours

  • Tangle-free

Cons

  • Expensive for kids headphones

Buy now at Amazon

$139.00 from Walmart

Other Top Headphones We Tested

Product image of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, Adaptive Transparency mode
  • Dust and water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 6 hours with ANC, up to 24 hours with the case

There may be stronger overall headphones out there, but nothing beats the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for pure ANC performance. These are some of the best noise canceling earbuds that we tested, as they virtually eliminate any low drones, like airplane noise or HVAC. But most impressive is how they handle crowd chatter, targeting the midrange so that even modest levels of music can drown out voices.

The only competitors that comes close are the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and Sony WF-1000XM5.

The Bose Music app now has a 3-band EQ. There are definitely more fine-tuned EQs out there, but its inclusion is a vast improvement. The app also lets you customize touch controls for volume control, track navigation, voice assistant activation, and noise canceling.

Of course, every set has its flaws. For the QuietComfort II earbuds, the big one is call quality. Nearby sounds, especially outdoor noises, can be distractingly loud for the other person. Even slight breezes can woosh loud enough to bury your voice on the other end of the phone.

There’s less customization in the app than a lot of competitors offer, and the active transparency mode can’t measure up to that of the AirPods Pro 2.

Still, if your top priority is only the best noise canceling you can get, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer the best we’ve ever seen.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.

Pros

  • Incredible noise canceling

  • Clear sound

  • Secure and light fit

Cons

  • Lackluster call performance

  • Missing some standard features

$199.00 from Amazon

$199.00 from Best Buy

$229.99 from Target

$279.00 from Walmart
Product image of Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
  • Ambient sound modes: Active noise canceling, Transparency mode
  • Weight: 293 grams
  • Battery life: Up to 60 hours with ANC

Sennheiser completely reinvented the Momentum line for their Momentum 4 headphones. There’s a new design, eons of battery life, and much-improved noise canceling. Of course, the biggest headline is that Seinnheiser sound. The Momentum 4 are the best sounding wireless headphones we’ve heard in their class, besting titans from Sony and others.

The latest Momentum headphones eschew the retro radio operator look in exchange for blending in with the crowd. The new design isn’t the most noteworthy, but a bit of gray on top of the headband still offers a touch of Sennheiser flair. They’re also pretty comfortable, although you may feel their 293-gram weight over time.

The new noise canceling is leaps above the Momentum 3, cutting out a lot of drone sounds and even some upper register noise. It doesn’t compete with the 1000XM line, the QuietComfort II or the AirPods Pro 2. Still, it gets the job done, and with a whopping 60 hours of battery life per charge, gets it done for a long time.

We ran into a few issues in testing. The new touch controls are a little unintuitive and hard to fine-tune—we kept overcorrecting the volume. The headphones also failed to shut off when at rest, which isn’t uncommon but we’d still like to see it addressed in a firmware update.

Still, if your top priority is sound, you should definitely consider these headphones as your go-to travel pair. They’re an absolute paradise to listen to, offering brilliant detail, lush instrumental timbers, and enough taut bass that we had to tone it down with the EQ. Add in a solid app and a good slate of features, and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 are a worthy pair of wireless cans that sound lovers and weary travelers alike will want to consider.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones review.

Pros

  • Class-leading sound

  • Excellent battery life

  • Good wind buffering

Cons

  • Some features need refinement

  • A bit heavy

  • Auto shutoff error

$297.00 from Amazon

$299.99 from Best Buy

$299.95 from Abt

$299.95 from Walmart
Product image of Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IPX4
  • Battery life: 8 hours with ANC (12 without), up to 36 hours with the case

Sony’s WF-1000XM4 are an earphone entry in Sony’s 1000XM lineup. They feature fantastic sound quality, strong noise canceling, and an innovative design, and noise canceling.

While their noise-canceling prowess has been surpassed by successors, this set is still a great option thanks to their small profile, great battery life, and gorgeous sound. They’ll get up to 8 hours with active noise canceling (ANC) 12 hours without it. The audio is simultaneously smooth to listen to and teeming with rich detail.

The Headphones Connect app gives you access to features like a robust EQ. You can adjust it manually or cycle through a dozen presets. You can also program the earbuds to change from noise canceling to ambient audio and back based on your routine and location.

They aren’t perfect. Controls are limited, so you have to choose between volume controls or other important functions. They also don’t have the advanced “Find” feature. And of course, they’re on the pricier side.

Newer earbuds have come along that offer stronger noise canceling for the money. Still, this is a strong set with some great features and great all-around performance.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review.

Pros

  • Fantastic noise canceling

  • Superb sound

  • Next-gen battery life

Cons

  • No good solution for volume control

  • Missing some features

Buy now at Amazon

$279.99 from Walmart
Product image of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
  • Ambient sound modes: Active noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IPX7
  • Battery life: up to 5 hours with ANC (8 without), up to 30 hours with the case

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are an improvement on their predecessors and an excellent choice for Android device users. Smaller than their forebears and with a subtler matte finish, they still deliver crystal audio and solid noise canceling.

The Buds 2 Pro come with the features you’d hope for from a major brand’s flagship earbuds. They pair quickly and charge wirelessly in their case. They’re waterproof enough to survive a dunk, and include advanced features like Find My Earbuds and more.

Some advanced features like 24-bit audio support, Voice Detect, Bixby assistant, and quick pairing, are only available for Android users. The Samsung Wearables app that enables them isn’t available for iPhone. Another drawback—they don’t support Bluetooth multipoint pairing. Fast switching is only possible between Samsung devices within the app.

That said, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are great when paired with Android devices. The sound profiles are fantastic. Especially on the “normal” setting, individual instruments sing with clarity and presence while still sitting well within the mix. The highs are a tad sizzly, but frequencies from the midrange through the low end are robust and supportive.

The automatic noise canceling is very capable, eliminating low drones and helping to manage midrange chatter alright.

They’re on the pricey side. However, they’re the best set around for Android users looking for a powerful experience tailored to their device.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review.

Pros

  • Small, lightweight, comfortable

  • Excellent audio performance

  • Solid ANC

Cons

  • No multipoint pairing

  • Samsung-only features

$229.00 from Samsung

$189.99 from Amazon

$189.99 from Best Buy

$189.99 from Abt
Product image of JBL Tour One
JBL Tour One
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Weight: 268 grams
  • Battery life: Up to 50 hours per charge

JBL’s Tour One wireless over-ear headphones aim for the moon—and certainly land among the stars. Their main competition is our top pick, the Sony WH-1000XM4. Like that set, these JBL headphones deliver a comfortable design, effective noise canceling, a massive range of features, and great sound.

The intuitive controls feature a mix of on-set buttons and a single-use tap control. We were especially impressed with their subtle but impactful soundstage. Best of all, they’re easy to wear for hours without complaints, thanks to a relatively light 268-gram weight.

There are a few finicky software functions, such as settings going back to default, but those issues are minimal. They also come with a great set of accessories, including a zip-up carrying case, USB-C and 3.5mm cables, and an airplane adapter. The battery life of up to 50 hours per charge doesn't hurt either.

These headphones don’t surpass the Sony competition. Still, it’s a close comparison, and JBL usually has the edge on price. If you're looking for something different in the travel headphones game, the JBL Tour One set offers a plush experience in a stylish package that's well worth consideration.

Read our full JBL Tour One review.

Pros

  • Great sound

  • Solid noise cancelling

  • Huge battery life

Cons

  • Software is occasionally finicky

Buy now at JBL

$299.95 from Amazon

$129.00 from Walmart
Product image of Jabra Elite 4 Active
Jabra Elite 4 Active
  • Ambient sound modes: Noise canceling, transparency mode
  • Water resistance: IP57
  • Battery life: 6-7 hours with ANC, 28 hours with the case

Jabra’s Elite 4 Active earbuds include nearly everything you could want in a pair of true wireless earbuds at a great price. This sporty set features transparency mode for walking and running. The IP57 rating means they’re water resistant enough for sweat and post-workout cleaning, and could even survive a dunk.

Features include a 5-band EQ and an earbuds finder via the Jabra Sound+ app. The comprehensive onboard controls include volume control. The battery lasts 6-7 hours on a charge, and you can also use either bud on its own.

Of course, some sacrifices have to be made for the price point. They don’t connect as seamlessly to Apple’s ecosystem as the AirPods or Beats Fit Pro. You also don’t get the multipoint pairing of higher-end Jabra earbuds like the Elite 85t and Elite 7.

You also lose convenience features, like auto-pause when you pull an earbud out, or a wireless charging case. At least on Android, features like Google Fast Pair and one-tap access to Spotify act as a consolation prize.

The Elite 4 Active earbuds offer clear, accessible sound and noise canceling that meets or beats most similarly-priced rivals. They can’t match the all-time champions, but they’re a fantastic budget option. These versatile earbuds deliver a huge slice of the best features at a nice price.

Read our full Jabra Elite 4 Active earbuds review.

Pros

  • Snug, weatherproof design

  • Active noise canceling

  • Great features and battery

Cons

  • No auto-pause

  • Sluggish app connection

Buy now at Jabra

$89.99 from Amazon

$89.99 from Walmart

How We Test Headphones

We test headphones on a wide variety of objective and subjective points, focusing on what matters most to everyday users. Our testing covers battery life, ease of use, controls, wireless range, sound quality, sound isolation, comfort, and more.

For sound quality tests, we combine both real-world listening and lab testing. We collect data and run A/B testing on factors like max volume, noise attenuation (including active noise canceling), and EQ. We use every set extensively on a wide array of test tracks across far-flung musical genres.

We also test features in real-life situations wherever possible. Sweat proofing, short- and long-term comfort, battery life, and microphone quality all get put through their paces. We also measure connectivity over distances and through obstacles like doors and walls.

The one downside of our testing process is that it’s hard to measure long-term durability. A pair may appear to have great build quality, but that’s no guarantee it’ll hold up in the long run. That’s why we note any major issues that pop up in user reviews whenever possible, though we don’t factor them into our scoring.

We also use the headphones over prolonged periods ourselves. Whenever durability issues or other problems arise, we update our conclusions and scoring as needed, to keep giving our readers the best information we can.

What to Consider Before Buying Headphones

Most modern headphones are over-ear headsets that envelope and insulate your ear, or earbuds that nestle inside your ear. Price, features, and use case will all affect which option you choose, but there are plenty of great choices within each option.

Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

Selecting a style of headphone comes down to many factors, including comfort, portability, and stylishness.

Noise Cancellation

Many headsets feature “Passive noise cancellation” by virtue of their materials or construction. Over-ear headphones that isolate your ears or earbuds with a great fit are both examples of these.

Active noise cancellation is a little more involved. ANC uses a series of tiny microphones to detect incoming sound, then sends out an inverse noise signal. This “anti-noise” cancels out the incoming sound waves, reducing distractions.

Of course, this is easiest to do with steady sounds like road noise or air conditioners. Nearby conversations or dropped objects will still make some noise. The big difference between mid-range and top-tier noise canceling is how effective it is at subduing those less-predictable, middle-frequency sounds.

Battery Life

These days it’s reasonable to look for battery life of around 15-20 hours for a set of headphones. Earbuds may have less—perhaps 8-10 hours. But a great set of earbuds will have the added benefit of being able to charge wirelessly in their case. If the case holds a few extra charges, it can drastically extend the meaningful battery life of your earbuds.

One thing to note is that running active noise canceling will drain your battery faster. That’s all the more reason to look for longer battery life: You don’t want your noise-canceling earbuds to die halfway through an international flight!

Dust and water resistance

Most over-ear and travel headphones are not certified for dust or water resistance. However, most of the earbuds we test are, as indicated by an “IP” rating.

Resistance ratings appear as “IPXX.” The first X is for dust protection, and the second X represents waterproofing. The higher a number is, the better.

An X left in place of a number means that the product isn’t protected from that element. IPX7 is fairly waterproof, but not dustproof. IP57 is protected from both.

For water resistance, the highest number you’re likely to see for earbuds is "IPX7.” That indicates the product is certified to withstand being fully submerged in one meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. At the bare minimum, you’ll probably want IPX4, meaning the headphones can withstand splashes from any direction.

FAQs on Headphones

Does noise cancellation matter?

Active noise canceling can make a huge difference, which is why it’s become increasingly common. It’s great for traveling, public transit, the gym, or even working in distracting environments.

You can specifically check out the best noise-canceling headphones we've tested if you want more options.

Transparency mode could be just as important to some users, especially if you’re looking for workout headphones. Transparency mode is sort of the reverse of noise canceling. It uses the noise-canceling microphones to pass outside sound through the headphones. This can help you stay aware of your surroundings for safety’s sake.

How much should I pay for good headphones?

Budget matters, especially for headphones. While we strive to include options from a variety of price points, many of the best headphones run over $200. If you’re looking for quality headphones on a budget, we recommend checking out our guide to the Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100.


Meet the testers

Lee Neikirk

Lee Neikirk

Former Editor, Home Theater

@Koanshark

Lee was Reviewed's point person for most television and home theater products from 2012 until early 2022. Lee received Level II certification in TV calibration from the Imaging Science Foundation in 2013. As Editor of the Home Theater vertical, Lee oversaw reviews of TVs, monitors, soundbars, and Bluetooth speakers. He also reviewed headphones, and has a background in music performance.

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John Higgins

John Higgins

Managing Editor, Tech

@johntmhiggins

John is Reviewed's Managing Editor of Tech. He is an ISF Level III-certified calibrator with bylines at ProjectorCentral, Wirecutter, IGN, Home Theater Review, T3, Sound & Vision, and Home Theater Magazine. When away from the Reviewed office, he is a sound editor for film, a musician, and loves to play games with his son.

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Michael Garrett Steele

Michael Garrett Steele

Contributor

@MGarrettSteele

Michael Garrett Steele has been writing and editing professionally since 2013, and has been a part of Reviewed since 2020. An MFA in music composition, Garrett has lent audio expertise to everyone from Independence Community College to Bethesda Softworks, informing reviews of audio equipment and services. Garrett also covers tech, drawing on experience working everywhere from IT helpdesks to enterprise architecture sales. Steele has also become a go-to reviewer for minor plumbing fixtures since covering bidets for Reviewed in early 2020.

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Ryan Waniata

Ryan Waniata

Former Managing Editor - Electronics

@ryanwaniata

Hailing originally from Montana, Ryan parlayed his time working as a musician and audio engineer into a career in digital media in 2012. Since then he's had extensive experience as a writer and editor, including everything from op-eds and features to reviews on TVs, audio gear, smart home devices, and more.

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Nick Woodard

Nick Woodard

Contributor

@nwoodard25

Nick Woodard is a tech journalist specializing in all things related to home theater and A/V. His background includes a solid foundation as a sports writer for multiple daily newspapers, and he enjoys hiking and mountain biking in his spare time.

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